German, JHS students bridge cultural GAPP

Jacksonville Schools Foundation Director Amy Albers hands out goodie bags Wednesday to German students visiting Jacksonville for the month.

Jacksonville Schools Foundation Director Amy Albers hands out goodie bags Wednesday to German students visiting Jacksonville for the month.

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Jacksonville Schools Foundation Director Amy Albers hands out goodie bags Wednesday to German students visiting Jacksonville for the month.

Jacksonville Schools Foundation Director Amy Albers hands out goodie bags Wednesday to German students visiting Jacksonville for the month.

German, JHS students bridge cultural GAPP

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Thousands of miles from home, 18 German students are spending much of October visiting Jacksonville, attending classes at Jacksonville High School and learning about American culture as a part of an exchange program between Uelzen, Germany, and JHS.

The German American Partnership Program — or GAPP — between JHS and the town of Uelzen brought the students and two teachers on the 4,484-mile trip to Jacksonville for the three-week program.

While here, the students will visit historical sites and museums and try different foods and customs. Each is staying with an American host family in town.

Daniel Mettjes, the English teacher from Uelzen, said this trip provides wonderful opportunities for the students to learn about a new culture, as well as work on their English.

“They get to live the language,” Mettjes said. “When we return, speaking English will seem more natural.”

Arriving on Monday, the students are beginning to settle in and explore the community, with tours of the town, meetings with Jacksonville organizations, and trips planned throughout their stay.

Max Schroder, 15, said he is looking forward to learning about American customs.

“The culture of Jacksonville is interesting,” he said. “I also want to learn more about the story of Abraham Lincoln.”

Schroder said he is excited for the trip and seeing the different types of communities in America.

“I think one of the best things will be Chicago and taking trips with my host family on the weekends,” he said.

Ella Holmes, 15, said she also is excited about the trips the group will take.

“I’m excited to see Chicago and St. Louis and Springfield,” Holmes said.